Production of Carbon Clusters by Means of Arc Discharge and Their Application 3.Carbon Nanotubes and Nanocapsules Produced by Arc Discharge and their Applications

This paper characterizes and describes the growth of carbon nanotubes (multiwall and single-wall) and nanocapsules produced by electric arc discharge. For the preparation of multiwall nanotubes, an electrode of pure carbon is evaporated in helium gas, while single-wall nanotubes are produced with the aid of metal catalysts. When carbon is evaporated together with metals, carbon nanocages filled with fine metal particles (called “nanocapsules”) are produced in addition to single-wall nanotubes. The growth of nanotubes and nanocapsules is discussed. Finally, the application of nanotubes in a field emission electron source (cold cathode) is demonstrated.